A pantheon of pioneers who personified change came together in “An Evening to Remember” at the Trident Nariman Point on Friday to celebrate the landmark 20th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon which held on Sunday.
Sharing stories and insights that are timeless were a constellation of stars that also included Sir Mo Farah, the most successful track runner in history and the International Event Ambassador of TMM 2025.
“Running has the power to transform lives, just as it transformed mine. From being a scared child in a new country, not speaking a word of English, to standing on the Olympic podium with a gold medal, it has been a journey of resilience, belief, and relentless hard work,” Mo Farah said.
“The joy of running is in its simplicity—just lace up your shoes, take one step at a time, and let it bring you freedom and happiness. To everyone running the Tata Mumbai Marathon, remember: you’ve already put in the work. Be patient, enjoy every step, and know that crossing that finish line is about so much more than a medal—it’s a celebration of what we can overcome together,” the Somalia-born British runner added.
Moderated by renowned TV journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, the discussions featured Mr K Krithivasan, CEO, Tata Consultancy Services, Mr Paco Borao, President, Association of International Marathons and Distance Running, Ms Amruta Fadnavis, well-known banker, singer and social activist, mountaineer Kaamya Karthikeyan, runner Girish Mallya and Messrs Anil and Vivek Singh of Procam International, promoters of the Tata Mumbai Marathon which transformed running in the country.
“At TCS, running is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life that fosters fitness, camaraderie, and community. The Tata Mumbai Marathon, in particular, stands out for its unmatched spirit. It’s a celebration of Mumbai’s heart and soul, and for me, there’s no better marathon that embodies the true spirit of togetherness,” Mr Krithivasan said.
Ms Kaamya is the youngest women to conquer the seven summits. “Mountaineering has taught me that while fear is natural, it’s also what keeps us grounded and prepared…Beyond every challenge, there’s a summit waiting—it’s up to us to keep climbing,” she said.
Mallya has run all previous 19 editions of the TMM and will be running the 20th too on Sunday. “Running the Tata Mumbai Marathon year after year has become more than just a tradition—it’s a part of who I am. Don’t just run for fitness—run for the stories, the community, and the joy of discovering who you are, one step at a time,” he said.
Describing the Tata Mumbai Marathon as a miracle, Fadnavis said, “What stands out is the growing participation of women, now at around 30%. I believe this should increase further as the camaraderie and sense of sisterhood among women grow stronger. This marathon is not just about running; it’s about bringing the sport into the mainstream and inspiring countless individuals to embrace it, people are really looking forward practicing for this, so it’s a great win for everyone.”
Mr Borao described marathon as a universal love story. “The marathon is a universal love story. Running is love, and the marathon is falling in love. Everything you look at when you start running is good, It unifies people across all boundaries. Running is not just a sport; it’s a celebration of life, solidarity, and friendship. All you need are a pair of shoes, a shirt, and the will to run – wherever you are, whenever you like. This is what makes running a something special, something worldwide, something loved by everyone,” he said.
Adding to the charm of the evening, Indian singer Kanika Kapoor delivered a captivating live performance that left the audience mesmerized. Her energetic stage presence turned the event into a memorable celebration.
